Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome in 121 A.D. He came from a aristocratic family long established in Spain. Marcus Aurelius discovered Stoicism when he was eleven and deserted his other studies for Philosophy in his early twenties.The Emperor, Antoninus Pius adopted Marcus as his son in 138 A.D. Marcus took a passion for building, and is an expert in tiles and tints. Marcus's adopted father treated Marcus as a confidant and a helper throughout his reign. he married his daughter, Faustina, in 139 A.D. When Marcus Aurelius was 40 he ascended the throne and shared his imperial power with his adopted brother Lucius Aurelius Versus. Versus was a lazy ruler, and after he did in 169 A.D, Marcus ruled the throne alone. When in throne Marcus had to deal with famine, earthquakes,fires, and plague. Toward the end of his reign in power, Marcus was faced with a revolt by Avidius Cassius, the governor of Syria. Avidius Cassius was killed and his head was sent to Marcus Aurelius. Marcus would constantly write about plagues and epidemics that happened within the Roman Empire. His writing to himself are called Meditations. These Meditations were personal reflections and aphorisms writing for his won edification during a long career of public service. This is a quote from is Meditations, "He who fears death either fears the loss of sensation or a different kind of sensation". This quote would make him seem spiritual and very relaxed and was very wise. These public duties depressed him and he wanted to move to a simple life in the countryside. he died on March 17, 180 A.D, the emperors only son took the throne and became one of the worst rulers. Marcus Aurelis was a great leader who cared for the Roman Empire and wanted it to thrive.
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